healthy cookingComments Off on Tips to Help You Eat Healthy During the Holidays

Nov182012

Having to stick to a healthy eating plan can prove to be a difficult task at times, especially during the holidays. Make sure that you take a look at your eating plan the night before and include some sweets that you have been craving so you do not find yourself going on an eating binge. If you happen to be on a diet such as Weight Watchers, you know that this program allows some sweets, but the secret is to eat them in moderation.

The first thing that you need to remember is to eat a healthy breakfast and that can go a long way if you are shopping. It will give you the energy that you need and it will also keep you away from the cravings to eat all of those tempting sweets that are on display at the mall.

Space out your treats throughout the holiday season. You need to eat one treat to a time and do not save them all for yourself, share them with your family and friends. Remind yourself that you can always make more some other time and you do not have to eat all of them at one time.

It is a good idea to eat healthy meals in between the meals that have sweets and fat in them. Continue to eat fruit during the day even when you are having sweets and that will help your body to stay fuller and will keep you from eating less sweet stuff.

You must avoid the foods that are the most addictive to you and not end up going on an eating binge. Take brownies, you may be OK with them because you can eat just one and stop, but cheesecake makes you go into a binge before you can blink. It is very important to be honest with yourself because you are the only one who knows where your weaknesses are.

Do not drink excessive coffee as it can make you feel dehydrated and tired. Instead, try drinking water or herbal teas as they are good for your general health and they take up space in your stomach so you do not have the urge to eat all of the time. If you consume a meal that is high in fat, you might want to consider having a cup of peppermint tea afterwards as it helps to avoid heartburn and that bloating feeling. Drinking plenty of water during the holidays will flush out the excess sodium in holiday foods and make sure to keep drinking even when the weather is extremely cold and you are very busy because your body still needs the water to keep it hydrated and to keep you from feeling tired and irritated.

Try to limit the number of holiday parties that you attend because they can put a lot of stress on you if you are struggling with food. If it happens to be a potluck, take a healthy side with you and load up your plate with salads and fruit before you add the other food items. It is OK to eat the things that you want, but eat them in moderation.

Boredom and depression often lead to over indulging in foods over the holidays. Get out and get some fresh air and find some sort of physical activity that you can do to occupy your time with. It is a proven fact that exercise will cure some of the cravings for sweets and it can also help out with depression.

If worse comes to worse, you can give yourself a fresh start in the New Year. Do not make a resolution to starve yourself, instead make one that will help you to stay consistent in eating healthy and one that will identify the reasons why you are overeating in the first place.

I hope that you enjoyed this article and if you would like some great free information on eating healthy, please visit my eating healthy web site where you will find some great tips to help you live a long and healthy life.

I am a 54 year old retired mill worker from Northern Maine. I am happily married with 3 wonderful boys. My main interests are my family and God. I own a eating healthy web site with great tips and information that is designed to help you live a healthier and longer life.